8/22/2011 Allie Yaw Ben Franklin Cosby Happiness

8/22/2011 Allie Yaw Ben Franklin Cosby Happiness
Before I get started I must apologize for not getting a group message out last week due to being all wrapped up taking down some decent sized ash trees in my parents’ yard, splitting them, and stacking hem near the edge of the edge of the yard these past few weeks. The process is ongoing and as long as I don’t injure myself greatly it will continue. I said greatly because last Thursday I either bruised or broke some ribs (either way they heal naturally.) And then Friday morning I had a collision between my face an a log and a log, trust me wood isn’t soft, and it resulted in seven stitches just above my right eye by 9:30 in the morning, but by nearly 11:00 that same morning I was back at it. Injury, unless drastic, can’t hold me down long, and even with any serious problem I at least make light of the situation and be the best I can.

I also found a friend who shares all my interests, at least everything we’ve talked about. Allie Yaw seems like an all American type of girl, introduced to me by Danika Boever. I’m really excited to have her as a friend. She currently lives out of this state (I mean OH not my state of mind,) though. I look forward to learning all about her. Talking to her has made me happy.

Now I must talk this week about happiness. What does it really take for you to be truly happy and where do you find your state of happiness? Many people pin happiness to external factors...if only we had more money...or a better house...or whatever your latest "want" is, they say that’s where you find happiness, but let’s investigate and explore happiness a little deeper. If you choose to disregard me now (or whenever) that is your option and right, and please let nothing I say derail you from your beliefs. Perhaps my rants will shed new light on various avenues and/or people you encounter or meet, respectfully. This week I’ll resort to quoting one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, as I talk about and try to find happiness, in this week’s first quote:

"The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up to it yourself." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Now even though Mr. Franklin is from the colonial times era (1705-1790,) we can still find refuge in his life. The quote mentions the U.S. Constitution (the basis for this country,) and there is currently much debate on the legitimacy of adherence to it’s’ contents that I will not get into. This group is not intended o be political but motivating. And this week’s first quote also talks about happiness. I am still hoping to clarify that a bit, but first I must briefly mention Big Ben. And no I’m not talking about the often criticized Rothlisberger (for his life away from the NFL,) nor the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, when I say “Big Ben,” and I’m not even a Pittsburgh Steelers fan like some of you.

Today I’d like to share a situation and concept from the book, “The Road to Happiness,” by Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher (and I love that last name for it makes me think of comedy and smashing watermelons,) for in it I find what I must do and where I can go to find happiness.

Mac talks about how he likes talking to taxi drivers when he goes from the airport to a hotel, convention center, or restaurant, because they’re often immigrants with fascinating personal histories and unusual cultural backgrounds. Mac asked one driver, after his usual question about where is the popular places he takes customers to eat and hang out, an hypothetical inquiry; ”If you could live anywhere in the world- and if money was no object- where would you live?” His driver gave a response to the question that would require most people to pause and think, at least a minute or two, about luxurious places without hesitation, and I think everyone can benefit from the drivers response.

The taxi driver said, “I live in my heart. So it really doesn’t matter where my body lives. If I’m happy inside, then I live in Paradise, no matter where my residence is.” Everybody heed that wisdom, because if you aren’t happy internally then we can’t truly be happy on the surface no matter the situation. That’s why I can reply, when somebody asks me where the best place to hang out is, by saying wherever I am, and that is NOT being cocky or arrogant; it’s the honest truth. I also like hanging with people I know or ones that have similar interests to me. That’s why I wish Allie Yaw lived a lot closer to me (maybe even in Northwest Ohio,) because I think catching a game with her, or even just having an in person conversation with her would be awesome. Maybe it will happen someday.

I don’t have much experience riding in a taxi cab, but I do hear stories from time to time. There is one more thing related to happiness and that’s humor, and I’ve found a quote on my new friend, Matthew Sharpe’s page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517792559&sk=wall.

"If you can find the humor in anything, you can survive it."
-Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby is a well known comedian himself, but his quote speaks volumes. My family, immediate and my uncles/aunts, find humor in everything and at all events. That even goes for sickness and funerals of loved one’s, too. Personally I think laughing is a great way to cope with everything. Maybe that’s why my family is so close and that closeness survives through both thick and thin. Allie is fun to share a laugh with, too.

A smile/laughing/humor/happiness is like a flower with a pleasant scent, your smile can draw people close enough to see inside you. If you like people then I suggest that you smile. Or if you don’t like people then I suggest that you smile. It will make them jealous. Notice that Allie Yaw is the definition of happiness, throughout this week’s message. Please add your friends to this group.

~Matt~ Failure is the first step to success. Think about that one.
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